Today begins the impeachment of former President Donald Trump. On every level, this historic event produces much political theater in Washington D.C. and in other highly politicized areas. Commentators will discuss it. News channels will cover it. On the other hand, Main Street America will function as normal with work to do, children to raise, and bills to pay.
Since President Trump can’t be removed from office, most people have either tuned it out or nearly tuned it out. Recently polls say that Americans paying attention are in the 30-37% range; whereas, people desiring a conviction range in various amounts around mid-40% range. One or two polls suggested the popularity of the trial was 90+% among Democrats with 56% of Americans wanting conviction. Just walking around the streets and living around people, no one talks about it. Instead, many people wonder when Congress will get on to more profitable business. The likelihood of 17 Republican Senators joining Democrats to convict him is very small, and even if they did, any conviction would be on its way to the Supreme Court on Constitutional grounds since the former president is now simply a citizen.
Bottom line: Seek to manage your soul and your words.
Depending on Who You Watch or Read…
As people watch their news source of choice, I expect they will hear what they want to hear. Certain networks which favor both sides of the isle will bolster their side’s case both directions. In other words, echo chambers on both sides will just repeat what they want to happen or believe should happen.
The trial itself will demonstrate the split nature of the Senate. With the Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts declining to participate, a top Democrat will rule the proceedings. The optics alone will produce more partisanship. Any procedural questions or evidentiary rulings by the chair will be used by either side for their own purposes.
My Point…
Best thing we each can do is both manage our soul and our words. At the end of the day, regardless of whether either side claims they won in this public spectacle, you lose if you allow it to rule your soul. The media and politicians care. The average American cares about responsible politicians and governance. Regarding an impeachment trial and a former president, there may be many more things more pressing and possibly even more interesting.
Remember…
An important truth to consider from the Apostle Paul:
26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. … 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:26-32)
If you or I allow what is taking place in Washington to a former president by a chamber full of politicians to influence us strongly, you possibly will commit one or more of these sins which are to be put off from us. Focusing on an exercise in mostly political theater which, at this point, you can absolutely do nothing about, can only hurt you and those around you more than benefit you. Before the next word is said in the “trial” phase, for most Americans, all minds are already made up – much more so the minds of the impartial jurors.
Instead, over the next few days seek to be angry without sin, choose edifying words to share with those around you, and choose kindness. Please take a moment to realize that discussing your children, grandchildren, local weather, church, the Bible, and those in your neighborhoods and community you might be able to help will benefit both you and everyone else around you.
Do yourself and those around you a favor, manage your soul and your words. No one is listening in Washington and your neighbor primarily has greater concerns than a former president.
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
